I still remember the first time I tried icing one of Snickers’ homemade treats—let’s just say it was more of a sticky mess than a Pinterest-worthy masterpiece. But after some trial and error, I found a simple, pup-safe icing that actually works.
This dog icing recipe is smooth, quick to make, and perfect for drizzling or spreading on top of treats. Plus, you can add a little natural food coloring to make it fun and festive for birthdays or special days.
Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love Icing
- Made with safe, dog-friendly ingredients
- Dries to a smooth finish
- Customizable with natural colorings
- No refrigeration needed for short-term storage
Whether you’re decorating homemade biscuits or adding a little flair to a dog birthday cake, this icing gets the job done—without anything you wouldn’t want near your pup’s bowl.
Homemade Dog Icing Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 teaspoons water (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter (make sure it’s unsalted, no sugar added, and xylitol-free)
- Natural gel food colors (optional for fun decoration)
Note: The peanut butter helps make the icing smoother and more spreadable, but you can leave it out if you want a thinner drizzle.
How to Make Dog Icing
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and honey. If you’re using peanut butter, add it now too. Stir until it forms a thick paste.
Step 2: Adjust Consistency
Slowly add water, one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’re aiming for a smooth, spreadable consistency—thick enough to hold shape, but thin enough to pipe or drizzle.
Step 3: Add Color (Optional)
Divide the icing into small bowls if you’d like to add color. Mix in a small amount of natural gel food coloring (like beet powder, turmeric, or spirulina) until you get the shades you want.
Step 4: Decorate!
Use a spoon, piping bag, or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to decorate your cooled dog treats. This icing sets fairly quickly, so work with it right after mixing.
Storage Tips
Because this icing is made with cornstarch, it will dry out quickly, so it’s best to use it immediately after making it.
- Decorated treats: Let the icing dry for a few hours, then store the treats in an airtight container.
- Shelf life: Iced treats will last up to 1 week on the counter or about 2 weeks in the fridge.
Just make sure everything is completely dry before storing to prevent any sogginess.
Best Treats to Use With This Icing
This icing works best on firm, dry treats—think crunchy dog biscuits or baked cookie-style snacks that can hold their shape. It also pairs well with homemade dog cupcakes or cakes made for special occasions.
You can even use it on frozen banana bites or baked sweet potato rounds for a fun twist. Just make sure your base treat is fully cooled before decorating so the icing sets properly.
Natural Coloring Ideas for Dog Icing
Want to add a pop of color without using artificial dyes? Try these natural, dog-safe options:
- Pink or Red – Beet powder or freeze-dried strawberry powder
- Yellow – Turmeric (just a pinch—it’s strong!)
- Green – Spinach or spirulina powder
- Orange – A blend of turmeric and beet or carrot juice
- Purple – Purple sweet potato powder
- Black/Grey – Activated charcoal (use very sparingly and check with your vet first)
Tips for Piping and Decorating Dog Treats
If you’re going for a polished look, use a piping bag with a small round tip—or snip the corner off a ziplock bag for a DIY version. For fun shapes or drizzles, a spoon or squeeze bottle can work just as well.
Keep in mind this icing dries fairly fast, so decorate one treat at a time if you’re getting detailed. You can also let kids join in and decorate—it’s a fun way to get the whole family involved..
FAQs
Can I Make This Icing Without Peanut Butter?
Yes! Just skip the peanut butter and add a bit more water for a smoother consistency.
How to Make It Thicker or Thinner?
Add a tiny bit more cornstarch to thicken or a splash of water to thin it out. Go slow—it changes quickly!
Can I Use This Icing on Store-Bought Dog Treats?
Absolutely! Just make sure the treat surface is dry and room temperature before decorating
Final Thoughts
Decorating dog treats isn’t just cute—it adds a little extra love to each bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just spoiling your pup “just because,” this dog icing recipe is a quick, easy way to make your treats look as good as they taste.
Snickers may not care how pretty they are—but I sure do. And when he licks every crumb off the floor? That’s the best review I could ask for.